SBMA Release: Pacific Leaders Agree to Greater Regional Dialogue and Cooperation on Deep Sea Minerals
Photo credit: Tabby Robati-Berg of Maunga Media
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands concluded last week. Milestones included the endorsements of the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan, the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) and the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility.
Leaders also agreed to greater regional dialogue and cooperation on Deep Sea Minerals (DSM).
Within the Outcomes Communique, all 18 Pacific Island Forum Leaders:
Acknowledged the significant interest in DSM among specific Members
Reaffirmed their collective commitment to the health and resilience of the Blue Pacific Continent
Recognised and respected the diversity of positions amongst [Pacific Islands Forum] Members on DSM development and sovereign decision-making
Endorsed the convening of a Pacific Islands Forum Talanoa Dialogue in 2024, to be facilitated by the Secretariat, to facilitate open and inclusive discussion on DSM.
“The cornerstone of our Pacific Islands Forum is respect for sovereignty, and our regional unity and collective advocacy and actions” said Prime Minister Brown “This has amplified our voices and impact globally for decades and delivered transformative outcomes for our Pacific people”.
“As Forum Chair, I am deeply committed to ensuring that we continue to build our understanding of each other’s priorities and strengthen our solidarity. On issues in which we have differing views, it is important such discussions are convened in a constructive manner.”
“I am pleased that our Pacific Leaders support a constructive dialogue on deep sea minerals led collectively by our countries, rather than external actors – which acknowledges our different national views and sovereign rights, whilst upholding our shared common stewardship values for our Blue Pacific Continent.”
“We discussed a number of our key shared values, including the protection of our ocean and marine environment, the need for a robust regulatory framework to manage DSM activities, the need for science and evidence-based decision making, and the precautionary approach”
“The upcoming Talanoa Dialogue in 2024 will allow for inclusive preparations and ensure our collective voices and perspectives are accommodated. It will enable us to have this important discussion on deep sea minerals while presenting an opportunity for the Pacific Family to bring to the fore our global leadership once more on sustainable oceans management” shared PM Brown.
Photo credit: Tabby Robati-Berg of Maunga Media
Shared Pacific interests on deep-sea minerals
Recently, a separate joint statement was delivered at the 28th International Seabed Authority Assembly meeting on 26 July 2023 by all 10 Pacific countries attending, namely: Australia, Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, the Kingdom of Tonga and Vanuatu.
These Pacific countries collectively:
Acknowledged that whilst Pacific countries may have differing positions, they were all united in their commitment to ensure the protection of the ocean and the marine environment, and as such, to remain open to further deliberations in the spirit of Talanoa
Recognised the ocean as one body of water flowing beyond the confines of set jurisdictional boundaries, within and beyond the Blue Pacific Continent
Stressed the need for robust, environmentally sound rules, regulations and procedures
Agreed that strong environmental protections are necessary in order to fulfil their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment
Highlighted the importance of marine scientific research
Encouraged the efforts to increase investment in the science and technology needed to inform the development of a robust and fit for purpose regulatory framework and the effective protection of the marine environment
Reaffirmed their commitment towards a strong and comprehensive and fit for purpose regulatory framework to be put in place, based on best available scientific information and, traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, that ensures the effective protection of the marine environment before any exploitation of seabed minerals can occur, in line with the precautionary principle and precautionary approach.
“This joint statement by Pacific countries reaffirmed our shared commitments towards ensuring the protection of our ocean and marine environment as it relates to DSM activities,” said Seabed Minerals Commissioner Alex Herman.
“There have been attempts to portray a deeply divided Pacific on the issue of DSM. The constructive discussions amongst Pacific leaders on this issue as well as their agreement towards greater regional dialogue and cooperation counters that narrative,” said Herman.
Context
No commercial DSM extraction is occurring within national or international jurisdictions today. This is because there is currently insufficient scientific information to make an informed decision on whether the potential impacts can be effectively mitigated and managed.
Key stakeholders have taken differing positions towards DSM extraction, including sustainable and responsible development, precautionary pause, or moratorium.
Stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and industry, broadly agree that commercial DSM extraction must not go ahead until the relevant environmental, social and economic concerns are addressed and better understood, and it is demonstrated through an Environmental Impact Assessment that commercial DSM extraction can be managed, and its impacts mitigated in a way that ensures the effective protection of the marine environment.
Moving forward, further independently verified scientific research and studies will be critical to be able to make informed decisions about the industry’s future and in understanding what is needed to develop a sustainable, science-based, and well-regulated seabed minerals sector.
Queries may be directed to Dede Mingi: [email protected]
Source by: Seabed Minerals Authority